Portuguese contractor puts faith in for Cata 360 solution package

Leading Portuguese contractor Mota-Engil Group has been awarded the construction of a 270km Douro Interior Highways project in the north east of Portugal - one of the longest highway projects ever awarded in the country. To carry out the demanding earthmoving works involved, Mota-Engil called upon Cat's Portuguese dealer Barloworld STET for a solution. This led to a deal for more than 40 Cat machines.

"Mota-Engil contacted us with several requests. Rather than negotiating individually each item, we asked for their overall budget and objectives, and came up with a proposition that covered all their requirements. We were able to meet all their needs from new and used equipment to work tools, service and finance, all in a singe package, under one budget. This, what we call a 360 solution, is very advantageous for any contractor," explains Vasco Santos, Commercial Manager from Barloworld STET

The deal with Mota-Engil includes three Cat 323D L and two 336D LME medium size hydraulic excavators, and three 345D LME and one 365C LME large hydraulic excavators. Five CS76 XT soil compactors, four D6T and one D5K track-type tractors are also included in the package, along with six 730 articulated trucks, two 772 off-highway trucks and others.

In addition to the new equipment, the order incorporates seven used 740 articulated trucks and two pre-owned D8T track-type tractors. All of these machines are Cat Certified Used products, and as such carry a full Cat warranty.

"The 360 solution was the best option for Mota-Engil because it provided us the needed equipments to get the job done with high quality standards. This solution was the one we were seeking due to the advantages of the financial model proposed. We chose Barloworld STET also because we recognize the capabilities of the company in performing the maintenance operations that can eventually be necessary, as well as training for our workers so that we can obtain the best results when using the Cat equipments." says Carlos Mota Santos, Board Member, Mota Engil.

Mota-Engil was awarded the totality of the 270km of the Douro Interior Highways project, out of which about a third is subcontracted. The rest, the most challenging parts, Mota-Engil will carry out itself. This means more than 20m3 million of earthmoving, 1,100km of drainage and in excess of 1 million tonnes of coated macadam. Around 145 overpasses and underpasses will also be constructed, along with 30 bridges and viaducts and one tunnel, at Bornes. In addition, twenty eight interchanges with local highways will be constructed to join the new highway into existing infrastructure.

"Among the equipment rented, we highlight the following: Cat 772 dump trucks, because they bring important innovation when compared to older models, namely compact dimensions for this category and a larger loading capacity, the operator cabin is centrally placed, which improves substantially the visibility of the operator and increases its safety. The Cat long reach excavator 365 C LME because of the high excavating capacity (bucket of 5 m3) and compact dimensions for its category, which allow us to reduce the costs of transporting materials between sites." adds Carlos Mota Santos, Board Member

With the largest range of products and services in the industry, Caterpillarâ is about far more than just the machinery. Its dealers can offer a host of versatile work tools, operator and service technician training, technology solutions such as AccuGrade™ and machine guidance, as well as service contracts along with the peace of mind that a quality and warranty from the world's leading manufacturer provide.

This unparalleled equipment and service offering is supported by the strength of Cat Financial. The all-inclusive bundling of equipment, tools, services and products - a 360 solution - brings together the right machines, with the right tools and the right support, within the right financial framework to keep ownership and operating costs as low as possible for the customer.

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